Can I Change My Mind About Adoption?

If you’re an Expectant Mother considering adoption, you may be wondering: “Can I change my mind about adoption?” This is one of the most common and important questions we hear at Abiding Love Adoptions. Understanding your rights and the legal timelines in your state is crucial as you make this life-changing decision.

The answer depends on where you live and when you ask this question. Each state has different laws regarding how long after adoption can you change your mind. Let’s explore what you need to know about your rights to change your adoption plan.

Understanding Adoption Consent

You have complete freedom to change your mind at any point before the child is born and you sign consent (also called “relinquishment” or “surrender”) documents. You can change the adoption plan details, choose different Adoptive Parents, or decide to parent your child yourself. There are no legal consequences for this decision.

When you sign consent documents after the child is born, you’re legally agreeing to the adoption. This is a serious legal decision that transfers your parental rights to the Adoptive Family

Every state requires specific procedures to ensure that your consent is:

• Fully informed, meaning you understand your rights
• Given voluntarily without pressure or coercion
• Given after your baby’s birth 
• Witnessed by specific individuals according to state law

How Long After Adoption Can You Change Your Mind? State-by-State Breakdown

Each state has a waiting period designed to give time to recover and reflect on the decision after the child is born. Here’s a breakdown:

• In Florida, a Birth Mother must wait 48 hours after giving birth before she can sign consent for adoption or the day she is discharged from the hospital, whichever comes first.[1] In Florida, there is no revocation period.  

• In Georgia, Birth Mothers can revoke their consent to adoption within four days after signing the surrender documents. This must be done in writing. There is a specific way the revocation must be sent to the Agency.[2]

• In South Carolina, Birth Mothers can consent to the adoption at any time after the birth of their children, but industry standard is for them to wait twenty-four (24) hours after birth.[3] In South Carolina, there is no revocation period. 

Can an Adoption be Reversed After Consent is Given? 

Adoption is typically irreversible once the consent documents are sighed. However, consent can be revoked if the court finds that it was obtained by fraud or duress.[4][5][6]

If you were lied to, threatened, or felt you had no choice when giving consent, speak to your Adoption Attorney. While proving these claims is difficult, legitimate cases do exist.

What If I’m Having Doubts?

If you’re considering adoption but aren’t sure, or if you’ve already started the process and are having second thoughts:

1. Talk to someone immediately. Contact your Adoption Attorney, Counselor, or Advocate to discuss your feelings.
2. Don’t rush. If you haven’t signed consent yet, take time to think about what you want.
3. Explore all options. Consider whether there are resources or support systems that could help you parent.
4. Understand the timeline. Know exactly how much time you have to make your final decision.
5. Trust your instincts. This is your decision, and you deserve to feel peace about it.

The Finality of Adoption

While we want to support your right to make the best decision for you and your baby, we also need to be honest. Once you give your consent, adoption is permanent. This permanency protects all parties involved, especially your child, who deserves stability and security.

The strict revocation rules in these states exist to prevent prolonged uncertainty for Adoptive Families and children. Once consent becomes irrevocable, courts set a very high bar for reversing an adoption.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Whether you’re just beginning to consider adoption or you’re approaching the time to sign consent, understanding your rights is essential. 

At Abiding Love Adoptions, we are committed to supporting Expectant Mothers through the adoption process. This includes:

• Ensuring you understand how long after adoption can you change your mind in your specific state
• Providing access to your own Attorney to meet with you and review all legal documents l before you sign the Adoption Paperwork.
• Offering emotional support throughout your journey, even after the adoption is finalized with your own Birth Mother Advocate and Birth Mother Mentor.
• Never pressuring you to make a decision before you’re ready
• Honoring your choice, whether that’s adoption or parenting

If you have questions about changing your adoption plan or want to discuss your specific situation, contact Abiding Love Adoptions. We’re here to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind about adoption before the baby is born?

Yes. In Florida and South Carolina, until you sign legal consent documents after your baby’s birth, you have time to change your adoption plan or back out of the adoption. 

In Georgia, you have until your revocation period expires to change your adoption plan or back out of the adoption.

There are no legal consequences for deciding to parent your child instead of placing for adoption, even if you’ve been working with an Adoption Agency and Adoptive Family throughout your pregnancy.

Can the adoptive parents do anything to stop me from revoking consent during the revocation period?

No. During a legal revocation period, you have the right to change your mind for any reason. No one can prevent you from exercising this right.

Does paying for my living expenses obligate me to consent to the adoption?

No. Legally approved financial assistance never obligates you to choose adoption, unless it is proved that you were working with multiple adoption agencies or attorneys receiving financial assistance at the same time.  

Sources

1. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021, October). Consent to Adoption – Florida. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/consent-adoption-florida/
2. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021, October). Consent to Adoption – Georgia. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/consent-adoption-georgia/
3. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021, October). Consent to Adoption – South Carolina. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/consent-adoption-south-carolina/
4. See source #1.
5. See source #2.
6. See source #3.